OWL

Open Water Lifeguard Qualification

The Open Water Lifeguard qualification enables candidates with no previous lifeguard experience to become qualified. By attaining this qualification candidates will have been assessed as competent to provide supervision and rescue cover for planned, organised and risk-assessed activities in open water (still, non-tidal).

OWL candidates should have experience of participating in a variety of open water activities in a variety of venues. Formal evidence (certificates etc) is not required, but it should be highlighted that candidates with no experience of open water are likely to find the workshop very challenging

Be 16+ years old

Be able to complete a continuous swim of at least 400 metres in a pool

Continuous assessment during the course plus a final independent assessment (practical and oral) where candidates must show competence in applying skills promptly, safely and effectively. There is no written exam.

NRASTC

National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC)

The NRASTC is a supervision and rescue qualification for teachers working on the poolside or in the water during programmed activities, such as a swimming lesson. It is suitable for teachers working in a wide range of swimming pools, including pools where the water is deeper than the teacher’s standing depth.

When Emergency First Aid at Work and AED training are integrated with this course the training hours are extended.

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ATSPRA

Aquatic Therapy Shallow Pool Rescue Award (NRASTC)

The ATSPRA is a supervision and rescue qualification for therapists, teachers and support staff working on the poolside or in the water during activities such as, aquatic therapy or therapeutic exercise/play. The qualification is suitable for use in shallow pools where the rescuer will not be required to swim to perform a rescue, with water no deeper than the rescuers chest depth.

When Emergency First Aid at Work and AED training are integrated with this course the training hours are extended.

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Emergency response certificate (pool)

Emergency response certificate (pool)

This training and assessment programme is intended to support safer swimming at small and shallow pools such as those typically found at many hotels, leisure clubs, holiday parks, private fitness facilities and other similar establishments.

Anyone who works in a facility where there is a swimming pool with no direct supervision. This training is intended to support safer swimming at small and shallow pools (less than 170m² and not deeper than 1.5m) such as typically found at some hotels, leisure clubs or private facilities. It is also useful for ancillary staff, such as pool attendants and service staff, who may act as support to the lifeguard team. This course is NOT a lifeguard qualification.

Students gain basic skills and knowledge to deal with emergencies that may occur at the pool site or in a small pool. They will gain confidence to use these skills through practical application on themselves, manikin and in the pool.

Continuous assessment during the course plus a final independent assessment (practical and oral) where candidates must show competence in applying skills promptly, safely and effectively. There is no written exam.

Participants should have Basic English skills and good swimming abilities. They must be able to swim 25m continuously on their front and on their back and be able to dive to the floor of the pool (max.1.5m). Minimum age: 16 years.